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We were forced to miss out on last year’s TR, because…life. I didn’t realize how much I would miss it until I wasn’t able to go. Not only that, but a large chunk of last year, and into the earlier part of this year, I was battling some persistent depression. Which helps nothing. Ever.

But, I am not going to write about depression today.

There are some interesting developments happening to us as individuals. I’m moving at a slower pace (as is my nature), but bits at a time, I’m coming back to my Goddesshood. Kat, on the other hand, is excelling at the speed of a supernova.

So…while creating new things…all these weird movements started happening. We were digging on it, but wondered whether or not we were on the right track as far as where we were heading in the ever-evolving nature of our style.

And then Michelle Sorensen happened. When the pupil is ready, as the saying goes…and it was validation after validation after validation. Her teaching style, HERSELF, everything about that day resonated within us. We LOVE her. And it’s not like once we took the workshops, the love fest was over…she’s been there ever since, even in the smallest of ways. I could go on and on and never say enough about how wonderful she is.

So, that was in May.

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We crammed—in my basement of all places, because the studio moved—to get a new piece finished in time for Tribal Revolution. Michelle’s influence helped us immensely in the creation process (thank you!), and we got it done with time to spare for running through—not much time, but still.

There were some nail-biting moments once we were in Wheeling, namely whether or not we would finish our costumes in time (we did, with some minor malfunctions…) and we were able to run through the piece several times before taking the stage at the Saturday night show.

This piece was different from the beginning…aside from starting out like we always do (center stage, side by side…my favorite place to be with my bestie).

That said, the reception was different as well, although none of it was bad feedback. The thing is, like a dear friend of ours said, “I preferred your other piece, but it’s not fair to say you can only do one style of thing.” Right you are.

We’ve done the creepy, and for a good while, we did the sad. But the sad is just not where we are right now…we are in a time of transition, and a time of empowerment. I anticipate our future numbers will follow in that vein of being powerful and strong, with a laser-like focus on executing our movements with the care and precision they deserve. Too long we rested on our laurels and sank and reached and melted to music…we can still melt, but we want to show that there’s so much more to us than that.

I hope you will all stick with us as we trek this path.

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The stand-out experience at this TR was with Miss Kami Liddle. Kat and I both agreed that it has always been that way whenever we’ve had the opportunity to study with her–she always teaches a subject that we’re needing at that particular moment. She’s an excellent teacher, and this year the workshop focused on moving the whole body. It was liberating…and exactly what I have been craving as a dancer for some time now. I gave zero fucks if I looked silly, because we were all moving together, and we were only thinking about our own bodies…no one was looking at us. Well, Kami probably was, but she’s the teacher, so…

I think that’s all I have for the moment…thank you to Ruby Beh for getting the freedom ball rolling, Michelle for…I can’t even <3…, and Kami for bringing it all home!

Since 2012, our showcase had gone without a name. Each year we tried to think of something that would encompass or describe what it is we were bringing to Traverse City.

Out of nowhere, one word appeared: Ignite. You may be wondering why this is the The Word. Creativity, artistry, our dance community, and the cultivation of performance pieces, is our passion. What we have wanted from the first moment we decided to make this event happen, is to spark that passion in others, instill it, and share it.

So, without further ado, we give you Ignite, the first of its name, and our 4th annual belly dance showcase. Please join us, and let your heart be set alight.

“In this two hour workshop we will explore a variety of techniques for establishing accurate communication between a musician and dancer.

Heather Marie will guide the dancers through specific movement combinations while Ryan Paul Gates introduces rhythmic ideas for the musicians to accompany these movements.

We will introduce many cues for enhancing communication during an improvisational performance thereby creating a flawless presentation.
This workshop is open to all dancers and musicians looking to improve their performance and communication skills.”

As I try to reclaim the parts of my brain that melted and dribbled onto the floor, I note every ache and twinge from the strenuousness of the weekend.

I am so grateful for the family I’ve acquired through belly dance. When you host someone that you know you like, but then actually get to spend quality time talking with them and really getting to know them? I am awed by my people.

Normally I cringe when I know company is coming, as I am notoriously private about the inner sanctum that is my home…but I absolutely adore and look forward to having my dance peeps in my cave. They fill the walls with laughter, impropriety, and conversation that really makes you stop and give serious thought to things you hadn’t even considered before.

Putting together a group choreography long-distance? Any other group, I would have said, “No way!”…but us? Psssshhh!!! We rocked the eff out of that!

I can safely speak for Kat and myself when I say, from the bottom of our leafy hearts, THANK YOU. Thank you to our “Fambly” for making the northern journey and supporting us. We adore and cherish each and every one of you.